Harlan Thomas moved to Seattle in 1906 and over a 43 year period designed numerous architectural works for Seattle and the Northwest region. Some of his projects include: the Sorrento Hotel, Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Queen Anne Public Library, Bagley Hall, and the first Harborview Hospital. Thomas was also a Professor of Architecture and Director of the School of Architecture at the University of Washington between 1926-1940. He died on September 4, 1953 at the age of 83.